CHARLOTTE, N.C., 4 Aug. 2016. Software developers at UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), developed a novel design approach to the Secondary Power Distribution System (SPDS), the "nerve center" of an airplane's power system. The patent-pending UTC Advanced Data Programming Toolset (UaDAPT, pronounced "you adapt") is designed to enable engineers to define, create, and verify software modules or utilities in weeks, speeding the development cycle and increasing flexibility and efficiency, officials say.
An aircraft’s SPDS helps provide seamless control and protection of electrically powered devices, such as window wipers, fans, pumps, heaters, and lights, by controlling how electrical power is switched to various subsystems, including avionics, engines, hydraulics, landing gear, and more. Until now, a single, complicated software package that requires a long development process has managed this task, officials explain.
Using the UaDAPT suite of tools, engineers at airframe manufacturer Embraer have been able to create, modify, configure, and install their own utilities directly within the framework of the SPDS. The new technology, first deployed on Embraer's E2 family of commuter jets, also enables system improvements and updates while aircraft are in service and the customization of aircraft with specific avionics, galley or passenger entertainment systems.
"UaDAPT technology gives UTC Aerospace Systems a strategic advantage going forward, and we believe we have one of the most advanced and flexible solutions in the market today," says Andy Bellis, chief engineer, UTC Aerospace Systems, Embraer E2 program. "Our customers want this technology, and it gives us an opportunity to be the industry's standard bearers for years to come."
UaDAPT meets all applicable software certification, safety, and cybersecurity requirements, company officials say. In addition, UaDAPT streamlines the certification process providing the framework to regenerate and certify individual utilities.
"By using the UaDAPT process, aircraft engineers will be able to save time, do their jobs more efficiently, and gain more control in deploying system improvements and updates," says Tim White, president, Electric Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems. "We are excited about the possibilities UaDAPT creates for Embraer and the industry and look forward to working together on further developments."
Collaboration between engineers from UTC Aerospace Systems Electric Systems team in Rockford, Illinois, and Embraer made the new technology possible and enabled the rapid simulation, testing and deployment of the SPDS. The first flight using UaDAPT technology with the new Embraer E190-E2 took off in May at Embraer's facilities in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures, and services integrated systems and components for aerospace and defense. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries.
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Global Aerospace Technology NetworkIntelligent Aerospace, the global aerospace technology network, reports on the latest tools, technologies, and trends of vital importance to aerospace professionals involved in air traffic control, airport operations, satellites and space, and commercial and military avionics on fixed-wing, rotor-wing, and unmanned aircraft throughout the world.
